Bipolar Affective Disorder

is a disorder used to be called manic-depressive illness. 

It is characterized by changes in mood ranging from mania (a feeling of well-being, stimulation and exaggerated greatness, the patient feels very active and energetic) to depression (overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, which may include suicidal thoughts and attempts).

Some people have mostly manic phases and others may have mainly depressive episodes.

This disorder affects around 2 to 5% of the population. It is usually first manifest in early adulthood. It affects both men and women and is rarely seen in children. It is not known with certainty the cause, but there are hereditary factors that play a role in its development.

The incidence is higher in relatives of people with bipolar disorder and depression.
There are different types of bipolar affective disorder: Bipolar I disorder is the classic form of this condition, with discrete periods of mania alternating with periods of depression. In a person with bipolar II disorder, depressive phase predominates and there is no real mania, hypomania episodes but where there is exaltation of the spirit and energy without being impaired social and occupational level to occur, or contact is lost with reality. People with bipolar disorder II may appear to be depression rather than bipolar affective disorder (especially because few people complain periods of good mood and energy that do not cause problems).
Bipolar affective disorder produces changes pathological mood of mania and depression, with a tendency to recur and disappear spontaneously. Between an episode and the other the patient may be completely asymptomatic
Symptoms of the disease are as follows:.

During the manic episode:
· Exaltation of mood (euphoria ).
· high esteem.
· Logorrea (talking more than usual or have the need to continue talking).
· Increased activities.
· Many thoughts and ideas at the same time.
· Insomnia, less need for sleep without feeling tired.
· Increased involuntary activity (ie, walking back and forth, twisting the hands)
· excessive restlessness
Irritability
· Difficulty concentrating (passed from one idea to another constantly)
· pattern of behavior of extreme irresponsibility
· Increased activity directed to social or sexual level
· excessive Commitment and harmful in pleasurable activities that have a high potential to produce painful consequences (riding sprees, having multiple sexual partners, alcohol and other drugs, spending money)
· False beliefs (delusions)
· Hallucinations

During the depressive episode:
Fatigue (tiredness) lasting for weeks or months
Loss of self-esteem
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt
· exaggerated slowness
· persistent daytime sleepiness
· insomnia
· Trouble concentrating
Irritability
· Difficulty making decisions
· Loss of appetite
· Weight loss
· abnormal thoughts of death
· Thoughts on the planning of suicide or suicide attempts suicide
· Decreased interest in daily activities
· Reduced pleasure in daily activities produced
These symptoms may last several days or weeks.

is mixed episodes may also occur where there is manic and depressive symptoms at the same time.
The diagnosis of this disorder is a story psychiatric changes in mood and behavior observation and current state of mind.
The most effective treatment for bipolar affective disorder is medication. If the episode is severe it may be required hospitalization. Psychiatrist analyze symptoms and medical history to choose the most appropriate medication. Drug treatment can prevent the recurrence of symptoms and must make long-term

Recommendations:.
– Take medicines every day, even if you feel well. If suspend is likely to be repeated episodes
-. Try to detect early signs of a manic or depressive episode. Ask family members who observe
-. Keep regular sleep habits
-. Do not abuse drugs or alcohol
-.. Avoid too much caffeine and energy drinks
– If you have symptoms a manic or depressive episode, seek professional help quickly

-. Do not attempt to treat the disease itself

-. In most cases feel much better after a few weeks of treatment
– Attend regular consultations with his psychiatrist